islamic-state-jihadi-says-his-group-gets-funding-from-turkey

Robert Spencer Aug 29, 2014 at 9:26am Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey 0 Comments

With so many Islamic authorities condemning the Islamic State, albeit in vague and non-specific terms, it is noteworthy that it has received so much help from elements in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. There are obviously many people in both countries who believe that what the Islamic State is doing is perfectly Islamic, and to be encouraged.

“ISIS Fighter Claims Turkey Funds the Jihadist Group,” by Mary Chastain, Breitbart, July 30, 2014 (thanks to John):

Turkey Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party have a well developed reputation for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel policies generally. But now ties to the Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, are emerging. The Jerusalem Post reported one Islamic State member said Turkey, a member of NATO, provided funds for the terrorist group.
“Turkey paved the way for us. Had Turkey not shown such understanding for us, the Islamic State would not be in its current place. It [Turkey] showed us affection. Large [numbers] of our mujahedeen received medical treatment in Turkey,” said the man, who was not identified. “We do not have the support of Saudi Arabia, but many Saudi families who believe in jihad do assist us. But anyhow, we will no longer need it, soon,” he said.
“We will build the Islamic state in the territories from Tigris to Jordan and Palestine and to Lebanon. Sunni Law will rule,” he continued.
The terrorists took over Azaz, a key town in Syria near the border of Turkey in September 2013. That is significant because Turkey “vocally supported the fight against forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and allowed weapons to cross into Syria on its southern border.” The capture of Azaz allowed easier access to the jihadists. Two months later, CNN featured Turkey’s secret jihadi route to Syria.
Now, ISIS is speaking with Turkey businesses and asking them to return to Iraq.
“Turkish companies have signed major contracts in Iraq, promising to keep their shelves stocked,” said Turkey’s Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekci. “Our exports to Iraq are now down to 35%, but Iraq cannot easily substitute other sources. We think there will be a boom in demand soon. We also know that IS is contacting individual Turkish businessmen and telling them, ‘Come back, we won’t interfere.’ That is not easy, of course. But when in the future Iraq is rebuilt, it will be Turkey doing it.”…